Seneca Rocks – Once a training area for World War II soldiers, this iconic rock formation can be climbed or hiked.

Spruce Knob – At 4,863, the highest point in West Virginia rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Helvetia – This tiny mountain village settled by Swiss immigrants is known for its annual Fasnacht celebration, the ceremonial burning of Old Man Winter.

Augusta Heritage Center – One of the stops on the Mountain Music Trail, the Heritage Center at Davis & Elkins College offers year-round music, dance and cultural events.

West Virginia State Wildlife Center – This modern zoological facility houses a live collection of native and introduced wildlife that can be viewed along a 1.25-mile interpretive trail.

Smoke Hole Caverns – Guided walking tours are offered through this system of caves, named for when the Seneca Indians once used the caverns to smoke game.

Blackwater Falls – It’s no wonder Blackwater Falls is among the most photographed places in West Virginia. This 62-foot cascade is a marvel to behold.

Lost River State Park – This park may be off the beaten path, but the jaw-dropping view from Cranny Crow is well worth it.

Featured Itinerary

Day 1

There’s no better way to explore West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands than by driving along the “Mountain Skyway” (U.S. Route 48) through Grant, Hampshire and Hardy counties, stop by Lost River State Park for beautiful views. Just minutes from this scenic route, you can check into The Guesthouse at Lost River. This 18-room resort makes for a peaceful getaway, especially for folks coming from the Washington D.C. or Baltimore area with just a short two hour drive. Once you’ve settled in, indulge in the on-site fine dining restaurant and lounge in the evening.

Day 2

Savor your morning with a fresh country style breakfast, which is served as the Chef’s choice, but you can expect to see breakfast favorites likes biscuits, eggs, thick-cut bacon, fruit, buttermilk pancakes and more. Uncover West Virginia’s rich Civil War history on your way to Romney, where you’ll board the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad at Wappocomo Station. As you wind along the South Branch of the Potomac River, you’ll enter a visually striking gorge known as the Trough, where you’re more than likely to spot an American Bald Eagle along the way. End your day back in Hardy County by retreating once more into The Guesthouse at Lost River.

Day 3

If you’re taking a trip in the winter months, you’ll find plenty of skiing and other snow sports at Canaan Valley and the neighboring Timberline Four Seasons, as well as hiking and biking and other amenities. Just an hour’s drive east on U.S. Route 48, Blackwater Falls State Park is home to the longest sled run on the East Coast. All aboard the Polar Express on the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad in Pocahontas county. Come in your pajamas and enjoy a mug of hot cocoa while winding through the mountains of West Virginia. Another scenic train ride hop on the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, take a train ride or hike through the trails. While visiting make sure to stop in and say hi at the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau! Regardless of the season, you don’t want to miss a visit to the Potomac Highlands area. You’ll find more photo opportunities and hiking trails at Spruce Knob—at 4,863 feet above sea level, the highest point in the state—and the Dolly Sods Wilderness, characterized by its wind-carved boulders and heath barrens that turn a brilliant red in the fall.